Captain Laurent Koscielny has called on Arsenal fans to produce a ‘rocking’ atmosphere at the Emirates as the Gunners look to overturn a 3-1 deficit against Rennes.
Emirates Stadium has been fortress-like this season with only Manchester City – in the Premier League – and Sp*rs and Manchester United – in domestic cups – inflicting defeats on us. Liverpool and Wolves are the only other sides to have avoided defeat.
It bodes well ahead of a big night in which the Gunners have to score at least twice. Having beaten Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side on Sunday with a mature performance, captain Koscielny is hoping for more of the same.
“It is a big European night at the Emirates against Rennes and we need the place to be rocking,” the Frenchman told Arsenal’s official matchday programme.
“Our defeat in the first leg in France was disappointing after playing for more than 45 minutes with 10 men. The third goal we conceded, on a counter attack, hurt. However, we are still very much in this tie.
“Like in the United game, our team spirit will be one of the keys too. We need to have that warrior mentality, play for each other and believe in one another.”
On Sunday’s win against the Red Devils – the first domestic defeat suffered by the Old Trafford outfit since they sacked Jose Mourinho – Koscielny added, “I thought it was such a clinical and professional performance from the team.
“Tactically, the gameplan set up by the manager was spot on. We were balanced, organised. We defended well and were efficient in attack.
“What I liked the most about Sunday is what a wonderful team spirit we showed. We all fought for each other, all played for each other. We won the game mentally, in our heads. We were warriors. This is the mentality that will take us to the top.” arseblog.news